Adding two more years to high school curriculum, more commonly known as the K-12 Program was really an upset to some parents when the former President Benigno Aquino III signed the Enhanced Basic Education Act 2013, May 15, 2013 because it adds two years to the basic education system and additional expenses as well,as parents opposed.
One of the practical benefits of schooling under this education cycle is the readiness of the students to join the workforce. The good thing is, SHS graduates will be equipped with skills that will make them good in certain fields of their choice TRACK. From the unpleasing reactions of parents to oblige their children sending them to school for another two years, this year, the piloting of the Enhanced Basic Education Act 2013, is almost over as to Batch 2018 is fast approaching to gear towards the four exits envisioned for SHS graduates to choose from — employment, entrepreneurship, further skills training through TESDA and college education.With that, Senior High School (SHS) students were given the chance to enhance their skills in their respective TRACKS through the K to 12 Work Immersion Program as a means to develop competencies and work ethics in preparation for the real world and its challenges.
This work immersion as an essential elementcaters 21stlearners of Senior High School (SHS) students with opportunities to learn about the workplace, as well as the authentic work environment as to what TRACK they are engaged to. To further hone the acquired skills of the senior high school students gained after adding two years to basic education through the K to 12 Curriculum, the Department of Education (DepEd) has released the guidelines for the conduct of work immersion activities for SHS students in the country.
Contained in the enclosure of DepEd Order No. 30, series of 2017 released on June 5, the guidelines specify that the said work immersion will enable students to become familiar with the workplace, experience workplace simulation and apply their competencies in areas of specialization. The following are the guidelines for work immersion in the SHS Curriculum;
- Work immersion activity can range from 80 to 320 hours.
- The schools may partner with recognized institutions or organizations to come up with agreements on work immersion for students and because the students are still minors, work immersion requires parental consent.
- The DepEd shall ensure that all schools and venues for learning are conducive to the education and safety of the learnersbecause the safety of learners is primary to DepEd. This endeavor is in collaboration with its partners and stakeholders found near where the schools are located.
- The guidelines further provide that the maximum number of hours spent in the work immersion venue is 40 hours per week and no more than eight hours per day as provided by law. Under Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Labor Advisory No. 9, students are allowed to immerse themselves in a workplace between 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. every day for a minimum of 80 hours or a maximum of 240 hours per term. Students below 15 years old need to have parent’s consent and shall be at the workplace for at most four hours a day.
- DepEd stressed that work immersion should not be reduced as a mere recruitment tool for a partner institution, saying that the students should also gain skills that will enable them to qualify for other job options. DOLE advisory, this work immersion shall not be considered as an employment arrangement. The safety of the students while they are in the work immersion program is also continually highlighted by the different government agencies.
- The schools and students should not be asked to pay the senior high school partner institution for any work immersion activity conducted. The guidelines added that fees for work immersion must only be set after consultation with parents.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has emphasized the need for each institution to have their own child protection policy that demonstrates a commitment to safeguard children from harm. In relation to Republic Act (R.A.) 9231 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act”, the DOLE has implemented Department Order No. 149 which provides guidelines for assessing hazardous work areas for working students under 18 years old.
The government believes that K-12 curriculum in the Philippines will put Filipino students at par with the rest of the world. Moreover, The DepEd allowed flexibility in the curriculum to adjust to the market. The design from knowing the theory to the application in considering the child protection policy and labor laws of the nation is provided primarily. To go further and have meaningful learning, the industries are supportive to collaborate and offer the necessary opportunities to the next generation learners.
By: Mrs. Melanie I. Carlos | Teacher III | BATAAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SHS
